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Georgia Rainwater Harvesting Manual
Georgia Rainwater Harvesting Manual
Rainwater
Harvesting
Guidelines
In accordance with Appendix I
!Rainwater Recycling Systems of the
2009 Georgia Amendments to the
2006 International Plumbing Code
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 DRAFT COPY GA RAINWATER GUIDELINES MANUAL 5
The Guidelines Committee wishes to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to those
individuals who donated their time and effort to the development and production of this document. Special
thanks goes out to Eddie Van Giesen and Frances Carpenter for their efforts as principal authors and editors
of this document.
The 2009 Georgia Amendments to the International Plumbing Code which contain Appendix I ‘Rain Water
Recycling Systems’ can be downloaded from the Department of Community Affairs website at the following
link: http://www.dca.ga.gov/development/ConstructionCodes/programs/codeAmendments.asp
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Figure 4-12 Corrugated steel tank................................................................................. 11
CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 3 .................................................................................................. 12
-Slate ............................................................................................................ 25
-Vinyl/rubberized ......................................................................................... 25
-Fiberglass ................................................................................................... 34
-Metal ............................................................................................................ 36
-Wood ........................................................................................................... 37
CHAPTER 5 .................................................................................................. 40
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................. 47
References ................................................................................................... 51
Websites ...................................................................................................... 52
List of Figures
Figure 2.1 Statewide Water Level Restrictions................................................................. 4
Figure 2.2 Lake Lanier Level Diagram.............................................................................. 6
Figure 2.3 Aerial Photo of Lake Lanier 2007.................................................................... 7
Figure 2.4 ! Basic Hydrological Cycle.................................................................................8
Figure 2.5 The Hydro-Illogical Cycle................................................................................ 9
Figure 3.1 Catchment area of typical roofs...................................................................... 16
Figure 4.1 Diagram of above ground cistern................................................................... 21
Figure 4.2 Diagram of below ground cistern................................................................... 22
Figure 4.3 Rainwater Harvesting Flow Chart.................................................................... 23
Figure 4.7 Calming Inlet.................................................................................................. 26
Figure 4.5 Downspout filter............................................................................................. 27
Figure 4.6 Strainer Basket................................................................................................ 27
Figure 4.7 First Flush Diverter.......................................................................................... 28
Figure 4.8 Wooden tank.................................................................................................. 30
List of Tables
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Purpose
Rainwater, for purposes of this document, is Installers and the general public are advised to
water collected from roof surfaces during rain comply with local and state codes.
events. This water is then stored in tanks or On January 1, 2009, Appendix I ‘Rainwater
cisterns for later use. Potential uses include Recycling Systems’ of the Georgia 2009
indoor non-potable applications (toilet Amendments to the 2006 International
flushing) and outdoor non-potable applications Plumbing Code took effect allowing rainwater
(irrigation systems, hose bibs, etc). Rainwater harvesting in certain applications throughout
Harvesting (RWH) in its essence is the the state. The guidelines presented in this
collection, conveyance and storage of document (Georgia Rainwater Harvesting
rainwater. Rainwater collected from roofs is Guidelines) will assist regulators, rainwater
not “recycled water”, nor is it “gray water”. It systems designers and end users in rainwater
is fresh water that is in abundant supply, and is harvesting best management practices. The
generally undervalued in the United States. water available from such systems will offer
high quality water to supplement utility-
Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS) for provided water for approved non-potable end
purposes of this document, are defined as uses.
systems that collect, store and use precipitation
collected from rooftops or other man made,
above ground collection surfaces. 1.2 ARCSA
The use of rainwater harvesting systems in The American Rainwater Catchment Systems
Georgia can serve to supplement non-potable Association (ARCSA) is one of the best
water demands while maintaining and sources of information about rainwater
harvesting. ARCSA (www.arcsa.org), an
enhancing the quality of the environment.
affiliate of the International Rainwater
These guidelines are intended to be consistent
with, and complimentary to, the requirements Catchment Systems Association (IRCSA,
of the Georgia’s 2009 Amendments to the 2006 www.ircsa.org ) is an organization formed in
International Plumbing Code, National Institute 1994 by Dr. Hari J. Krishna in Austin, Texas.
of Health, and local Boards of Health. ARCSA's primary mission is to promote
rainwater catchment systems in the Americas
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 7 of 58
CHAPTER 2
INTRODUCTION TO
RAINWATER HARVESTING
Bureau, Census 2000 Special Reports, Series CENSR-4, Excluding agriculture, one estimate for
Demographic Trends in the 20th Century, U.S.
Georgia’s average daily per-capita water
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2002).
consumption is estimated at 168 gallons
Statewide (Georgia) public-supply water use compared with a national average of 153
has increased steadily since 1980, gallons. Steps need to be taken to ensure that
corresponding to an increase in population Georgia’s water supply continues to meet the
during the same period.” “Water use for public needs of the economy (Dodd, http://
supply likely will continue to increase as the www.gppf.org/article.asp?RT=20&p=pub/Water/
envwateruse040528.htm).
S t a t e ’s p o p u l a t i o n g r o w s . ” ( h t t p : / /
ga.water.usgs.gov/pubs/other/ggs-ic106/pdf/ggs- Rainwater harvesting systems address many
ic106.pdf). water issues associated with population growth
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 10 of 58
countries and RWH became restricted to IRCSA to promote and advance rainwater
specialized applications and regions, such as on catchment systems technology.
small islands and in semi-arid rural areas of the
world. Law in the U.S. Virgin Islands and
2.3 Current Usage of
many other Caribbean Islands requires RWH
due to limited fresh water sources. Interest in
Rainwater
RWH in the United States and around the globe There may be as many as 250,000 RWH
has grown significantly in recent years due to systems in use in the United States (Kincade,
d r o u g h t s a n d w a t e r s h o r t a g e s . RW H 2007). Texas, Virginia, Oregon, the state of
associations are forming in countries all over Washington, and other states have developed
the world and many are now joining together in guidelines for designing and installing
The city of Atlanta derives most of its water boundary between Georgia and Tennessee has
from Lake Lanier. In December 2008, lake been recently disputed over water rights in the
levels were near the all time low (Figure 2.2, Tennessee River. The aerial view of drought-
Lake Lanier Level Diagram). As difficult as stricken Lake Lanier (Figure 2.3, Aerial Photo
this is to imagine, there is a finite amount of of Lake Lanier, 2007) makes it clear that
water in the lake. Once the water level goes actions must be taken to address water supplies
below the level of the intakes, there is no way in our State.
to extract any more water until the lake is
replenished by additional rains, or until the Water conservation is in the minds of many of
intake is lowered, which could require our citizens and policy makers. Unlike other
dredging and large capital outlays. natural disasters, drought does not have a
clearly defined beginning and end. As a result,
Water rights and water availability are our reaction to drought traditionally has not
important and relevant topics today. Politics, been timely. It is human nature to think that
industrial interests, and environmental just because it rained yesterday that the drought
concerns all play into this picture. The state is over. This is largely due to widespread lack
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 15 of 58
2.7 In conclusion
Worldwide freshwater shortages clearly
indicate that immediate action must be taken to
implement RWH technologies. Rainwater
Harvesting has been practiced since ancient
times. We know from history that local and
regional droughts occur on a regular basis
throughout the world. We also know that many
thousands of RWH systems exist throughout
the US and that when they are properly
designed and installed they are able to provide
many benefits, most immediately to alleviate
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 17 of 58
CHAPTER 3
Showers 11.6 7%
Dishwashers 1 0.60%
3.2 Stormwater Runoff soak into the ground as close to the location
where it falls, is another goal of LID. A RWH
Reduction system can act as a large sponge, absorbing and
Low Impact Development (LID) is a design storing water for later use. The water can then
and site development methodology that allows be released at a slower rate via landscape
newly developed and/or existing sites to watering.
hydrologically mimic pre-development
conditions. For example, if a forested area is Stormwater retention requirements can be
developed for commercial purposes, one LID partially achieved by incorporating RWH as an
goal would be to mimic some of the integral part of the design (http://
hydrological functions of trees and encourage www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/). From 1991 to
cleansing and infiltration of site rainwater 2005 the state of Georgia has had an increase
runoff. Capturing rain and encouraging it to of 111% in the amount of impervious surface,
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 19 of 58
practices, which is titled The National Green for a total of 41 consecutive dry days, a record
Building Standard™ ( http://www.nahbrc.org/ in the state (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/
technical/standards/gbinvitation.aspx). extremes/2000/october/octoberext2000.html).
Selecting materials for rainwater systems based
on locally available components and equipment Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout
containing recycled content may achieve the year in the state of Georgia. This even
further credit. distribution enables storage capacity to be
somewhat less than in other areas of the
Note: It is important to
understand that regardless of
the pitch, the shape, or the
complexity of any roof
surface, it is the overall
footprint of the building that
determines the collection
area. (see Figure 3.1)
Figure 3.1 Catchment area of typical roofs
City JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
ATLANTA 5.03 4.68 5.38 3.62 3.95 3.63 5.12 3.67 4.09 3.11 4.10 3.82 50.20
ATHENS 4.69 4.39 4.99 3.35 3.86 3.94 4.41 3.78 3.53 3.47 3.71 3.71 47.83
MACON 5.00 4.55 4.90 3.14 2.98 3.54 4.32 3.79 3.26 2.37 3.22 3.93 45.00
COLUMBUS 4.78 4.48 5.75 3.84 3.62 3.51 5.04 3.78 3.07 2.33 3.97 4.40 48.57
SAVANNAH 3.95 2.92 3.64 3.32 3.61 5.49 6.04 7.20 5.08 3.12 2.40 2.81 49.58
AUGUSTA 4.95 4.11 4.61 2.94 3.07 4.09 4.07 4.48 3.59 3.20 2.68 3.14 44.58
VALDOSTA 5.79 4.47 5.30 3.61 3.15 4.91 6.30 5.24 4.11 3.11 3.24 3.83 53.06
Table 3.2 Major GA Cities Annual Precipitation 1971-2000 - 30 year average (inches)
NOAA – National Weather Service Forecast Office, www.srh.noaa.gov Weather Channel, www.weather.com
interval without rain. If additional water is precipitation ranges from 3.4 inches in
required, other water sources must be November to 5.3 inches in July. The monthly
considered to supplement the collected distribution of rainfall is an important factor to
rainwater. consider for sizing a system.
Table 3.3 Table for rainwater potential collection from roof surfaces
3.8 Summary
Rainfall events are complicated and an indepth
understanding of local rainfall is imperative.
Those comtemplating designing or installing a
RWH system should have an adequate amount
of rainfall data, in order to properly size their
system (ARCSA GUIDE 2009, Chapter 8).
CHAPTER 4
HARVESTING
COMPONENTS
Rainwater harvesting is the capture, diversion, installing a RWH (See figure 4-3, Rainwater
and storage of rainwater for a number of Harvesting Flow Chart).
different purposes including landscape
irrigation, non-potable domestic use, aquifer Rainwater systems are available in many
recharge, and storm water abatement. configurations. Some have below ground
Understanding how the fundamental storage tanks, above ground tanks, indoor
components of a rainwater system work is controls, and some have outdoor controls.
crucial when contemplating designing or Figures 4.1 and 4.2 illustrate the primary
Catchment Surface
First flush
Inlet Filtration
Calming Inlet
Back flow
Prevention Storage
Make up supply Vector Overflow
Municipal or well Prevention
Air Gap
Distribution
Pumps, controls, etc
Filtration
Disinfection Sediment
buried or camouflaged. Consider how your The following are additional considerations
RWH system will be viewed by neighbors, and when selecting an ideal tank location. Locate
try to minimize any negative aesthetic impacts. tanks as close to the supply and demand points
as possible to reduce the distance water is
Underground utilities, high water tables or conveyed. To ease the load on the pump, tanks
shallow bedrock may limit the sites available should be placed as high as practicable. Of
for tank burial. Locate utilities, and investigate course, the tank inlet must be lower than the
groundwater and geological restrictions during lowest downspout from the catchment area.
the planning phase. Buoyant forces can act on When converting from the well water, or if
an empty underground and cause it to float out using a well backup, siting the tanks near the
of ground. Careful consideration should be well house facilitates the use of existing
given to manufacturer’s installation guides and plumbing. Overflow from tanks must be
instructions in order to correctly site and diverted to normal stormwater pathways in a
protect tanks against negative impacts of soils non erosive manner. In addition, water runoff
with a high water table. from tank overflow should not enter septic
system drain fields, and tank overflow and
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 36 of 58
Plastics
Steel Drums (55-gallons) Commercially available; Verify prior to use for toxics;
Alterable and moveable Prone to corrosion and rust.
are necessary to withstand soil pressures petroleum and water storage industries. They
expansion and contraction. They are relatively are easily repaired. The fittings on fiberglass
inexpensive, durable, lightweight, and long tanks are an integral part of the tank,
lasting. Polypropylene tanks are available in eliminating the potential problem of leaking
capacities from 300 gallons up to 10,000 after an after-market fitting that may be field
gallons. Polypropylene tanks do not retain installed improperly (Texas Manual, 2006).
paint well, so it is necessary to find off-the- The tanks in Figure 4.11 would have to be
shelf tanks manufactured with opaque plastic. placed on a suitable foundation and then be
The fittings of these tanks generally com with backfilled with the appropriate backfill
the tank itself (Texas Manual,2006). material.
-Below Ground Polypropylene
-Fiberglass Tanks are buried typically for aesthetic or
Fiberglass tanks are built in standard capacities space-saving reasons. In-ground tanks are often
up to 50,000 gallons and in both vertical and more costly than their above ground
horizontal configurations. The durability of counterparts for two reasons: the cost of
fiberglass has been tested and proven, excavations and structural requirements of the
weathering the elements for years in the tank itself. The cost of a more heavily
-Metal
Galvanized sheet metal tanks (Figure 4.13) are
also an attractive option for the urban or
suburban garden. They are available in sizes
from 1,500 to over 200,000 gallons, and are
lightweight and easy to relocate. Most tanks
are corrugated galvanized steel dipped in hot
zinc for corrosion resistance. When line, they
are lined with polyethylene or PVC, or coated
on the inside with epoxy paint. The paint,
which also extends the life of the metal, should
Figure 4-14 Corrugated steel tank
be Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) and
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
patio or a basement, and their placement is
approved. Bolted steel tanks can be transported
considered permanent. Involving the expertise
and assembled virtually anywhere with a small
of a structural engineer to determine the size
crew and are not hindered by transportation
and spacing of reinforcing steel to match the
sizes as other tanks may be. These systems are
structural loads of a poured-in-place concrete
sold in kit form and can be bolted together with
citern is highly recommended (Texas Manual,
a few tools. Some tank manufacturers of this
2006). A concrete tank constructed of
type require certified installers for full
prefabricated stacked rings with sealant around
warranties.
the joints is another possibility. A more
common type in Georgia is the use of new,
-Concrete previously unused underground septic tanks.
Concrete tanks are either poured in place or These tanks are fabricated off-site and dropped
prefabricated. They can be constructed above
into place.
ground or below ground. Poured-in-place tanks
can be integrated into new construction under a
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 42 of 58
Toilet 46 20 6 gpm
CHAPTER 5
WATER QUALITY AND
TREATMENT
COMPONENTS
5.1 Introduction 5.2 Factors Affecting the
The raindrop as it falls from the cloud is Quality of Harvested
normally free of harmful pathogens and
Rainwater
chemicals. The environment, the catchment
surface, and the storage tanks can affect the Although rainwater is relatively pure, it is still
quality of harvested rainwater (Texas Manual, necessary to establish minimum water quality
2006). Unnecessary degradation of roof- guidelines for its use. Roof collected rainwater
collected rainwater can be minimized by will come in contact with certain contaminants
sensible preventive management procedures. as it moves from the roof to the storage tank.
Some of these measures are associated with Where rainwater is used for outdoor
design and installation, while others are operations, such as irrigation or outdoor hose
associated with ongoing maintenance. Well bibbs, etc., minimal, if any, filtration is
designed systems will generally prevent required. Collecting rainwater for indoor
problems from occurring, so corrective action purposes does require a number of steps to
to restore water quality will be needed insure its successful use.
infrequently. Roof-collected rainwater that is
captured and stored correctly can be a safe, Tree branches and any vegetation that
economical and sustainable source of water interferes with the gutters should be pruned.
(Abbott, 2008). Gutters may be screened or fitted with leaf-
guards to prevent larger objects from washing
It is important to note that the owner of a down from the roof. Downspouts can have
rainwater harvesting system becomes the filters placed in line with the water flow to
owner of “their own” water supply system. further remove large particulates.
This represents a dramatic departure from just
turning on the tap and expecting the water to
“First flush diverters (See Figure 5.1) are
flow out. The owner is solely responsible for
devices that minimize contamination of the
routine operation, including maintaining clean
rain tank water by diverting the first amount of
gutters and filters, repairing leaks, monitoring
of water quality and performing system rain which washes away the dust, debris, bird
upgrades.
Use chlorine compounds that are certified in In order for a UV system to work properly, the
accordance with ANSI/NSF Standard 60 water passing through it must be relatively
requirements. Avoid products that contain clear and free of particles. UV disinfection
fragrances and UV stabilizers. Do not use must be proceeded by adequate filtration. The
products designed for use in ANSI/NSF standard 55
swimming pools as these establishes testing
products often contain It is important to note that requirements for UV
cyanide based UV stabilizers. the water must be passed water treatment systems.
UV systems that meet
through a sediment/
• Cartridge Filters and Class A requirements of
particulate filter and this standard are capable
Ultraviolet (UV)
Light possibly carbon filter (for of producing an UV dose
of 40 mJ/cm2. The UV
When using UV light it is odor control) prior to
important to follow the light must be rated to
entering the U.V.
manufacturer’s installation accommodate the flow. It
chamber. is best to purchase
guidelines and to pre-filter the
water before it enters the UV certified equipment.
chamber. Maintenance of the UV
light involves cleaning of the quartz sleeve and
One possible disinfection array consists of two the bulb itself. Some UV lights are designed
inline filters in series, (a particulate fiber with an integral wiper unit. Again, follow the
cartridge filter followed by an activated m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s i n s t r u c t i o n s a n d
charcoal filter), and an ultraviolet light. This recommendations.
disinfection set-up is placed after the on-
demand pump. It is important to note that • Ozone
cartridge filters must be replaced regularly. Chemically, ozone is O3. It is essentially a
Otherwise, the filters can actually harbor more reactive form of molecular oxygen made
bacteria and their food supply. Clear-bodied up of three atoms of oxygen. Ozone acts as a
holders are slightly more costly but allow the powerful oxidizing agent to reduce color,
user to visually check the filter from the eliminate foul odors, and reduce total organic
outside. The filter mechanically removes carbon in water. For disinfection purposes, an
suspended particles. In theory, activated ozone generator forces ozone into storage tanks
SETTLING
Sedimentation Within tank Settles out particulate matter
MICROBIOLOGICAL TREATMENT/
DISINFECTION
Boiling/distilling Before use Kills microorganisms
Cooling Tower Make Up that address this subject in greater detail,( see
references section).
Water
Cooling towers, evaporative condensers and
fluid coolers are required to be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation
instructions, with additional specific
requirements listed under section 908 of the
International Mechanical Code (IMC).
GLOSSARY
CALMING INLET. A device located at the of total suspended solids (TSS); while other
bottom of a storage tank that permits water to forms of filtration, such as carbon / absorption
enter a storage tank with minimal disturbance filtration, removes dissolved compounds
to particles that may have settled to the bottom measured in units of total dissolved solids
of the tank. ( TDS ).
PIPING SYSTEM. Pipes that convey the RAINWATER YIELD. Useful water volume
harvested rainwater and distribute it to various (water inflow) determined over a certain period
fixtures. of time.
References
Abbott, S.E., Ward, A., Heinrich, M., Caughley, B.P., Minimizing Contamination of Roof-Collected
Rainwater: A New Zealand Perspective in ARCSA Presentation and Papers, 2008 Annual
Conference, 2008 September 16-18, Santa Monica, California.
Abbott, Stan. (2008). Microbiological Health Risks of Roof-Collected Rain Water in ARCSA
Presentation and Papers, 2008 Annual Conference, September 16-18, 2008, Santa Monica,
California.
American Water Works Association. (1999) Residential end uses of water. Denver, Colorado:
American Water Works Association Research Foundation. 310 p.
Barlow, Maude and Clarke, Tony. (2002). Blue Gold. New York, New York: The New Press.
Dunnett, Nigel and Clayden, Andy. (2007) Rain gardens: sustainable rainwater management for the
garden and designed landscape. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, Inc.
Gould, J, Nissen-Petersen, E. (1999). Rainwater catchment systems for domestic rain: design
construction and implementation. London: Intermediate Technology Publications.
Kinkade-Levario, Heather. (2007). Design for Water. Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada:
New Society Publishers.
Krishna, Hari. (2001). Rainwater catchment systems in Texas. Proceedings of the Tenth
International Conference on Rainwater Catchment Systems of the International Rainwater
Catchment System Association: 2001 September 10-14, Mannheim, Germany.
Lancaster, Brad. (2008). Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2, Tucson,
Arizona: Rainsource Press.
Macomber, Patricia S. H. (2001). Guidelines for Rainwater Catchment Systems for Hawaii.
Manoa, Hawaii: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at
Manoa.
Texas Rainwater Development Board. (2002). Texas guide to rainwater harvesting. Austin, Texas:
Texas Rainwater Development Board.
April 2, 2009 DRAFT for Public Comment 56 of 58
The Cabell Brand Center. (2007). Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Manual. Salem, Virginia: The
Cabell Brand Center.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential and Guidelines for Texas Report to the 80th Legislature Submitted
by Texas Rainwater Harvesting Evaluation Committee, Texas Water Development Board,Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Section
of the American Water Works Association, Conservation and Reuse Division, Published by Texas
Water Development Board Austin, Texas, November 2006
Websites
Georgia Public Policy Foundation, Commentary for Water Conservation, Pricing Trumps
Prohibition by Benita Dodd, http://www.gppf.org/article.asp?RT=20&p=pub/Water/
envwateruse040528.htm
Center for Biological Diversity, Tucson passes nation's first rainwater harvesting ordinance for
commercial properties by April Reese, http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/center/articles/2008/
land-letter-10-16-2008.html
The energy policy act: Assessing its impact on utilities by: Amy Vickers / In: Journal of the
American Water Works Association, http://www.cepis.ops-oms.org/muwww/fulltext/repind48/energy/energy.htm
The Low Impact Development Center, Inc., Sustainable Design and Quality Research, http://
www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/
NOAA Satellite and Information Service, National Environmental Stellite, Data, and Information
Service (NESDIS), NCDC: * National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).*